Earth Service Awards at YMCA Camp Chingachgook

KATTSKILL BAY – The second annual Earth Service Awards banquet was held April 4th at YMCA Camp Chingachgook. Twelve high school students from schools in Warren and Washington counties were recognized for their environmental activism and stewardship.

The teenagers cleared and marked new trails, built erosion bars to minimize storm water damage, taught tree and mammal identification, analyzed river water samples, removed debris from waterways and highways, built pedestrian bridges, conducted bottle drives, planted trees and recycled paper. They worked with the Clean Water Congress of the Hudson Basin River Watch Consortium, the Student Conservation Association, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, 4-H, Cooperative Extension, local government officials and community organizations, their teachers, other students and their families.

Each student honoree exemplified qualities of leadership, citizenship and volunteerism: Justin Eisenschmidt, Patrick Ostwald and Sheldon Reeves of Queensbury High School; Curtis Jones and Eric Santell of Hadley Luzerne; Teresa Kurjiaka, Amanda Perry, and Bobbi Jo Wilbur of Granville; Michael Ryba from Lake George; Bill Hafner from Hudson Falls; and Scott Mosher from Warrensburg High School.

Michael Hayes from Lake George High School received special recognition for his efforts clearing debris from islands on Lake George, removing litter and trash along area roads, trails, near historical markers, and at his school. He also collected paper for his school recycling program, planted trees, and painted over a graffiti-covered bridge wall. Mike was presented a $500 scholarship award, a savings bond, an Adirondack Mountain Club membership and numerous other items. The YMCA Earth Service Award was created to annually recognize teens who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the environment. Camp Chingachgook was established in 1913 on Lake George and is a year-round school outdoor education, family retreat center, and summer camp.

Numerous organizations and agencies supported and encouraged the honored students and many had representatives at the event. They included: Adirondack Community College, Adirondack Mountain Club, Faculty Student Association of A.C.C., Fort William Henry Corporation, The Fund for Lake George, Lake George Mirror, The Adirondack Council, Adirondack Explorer, Adirondack Sports & Fitness, The Chronicle, Glens Falls National Bank, Glens Falls Printing, Lake George Association, Lake George Land Conservancy, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. For more information, visit: www.chingachgook.org.